UK Aquarists Help With Cape Cod Sea Turtle Rescue Mission

Two aquarists from Hull, United Kingdom, are assisting in rescuing cold-stunned sea turtles along the Cape Cod migration corridor.

The BBC reported that volunteers from The Deep aquarium headed to the New England Aquarium to help staff treat the rescued turtles. This year marks the seventh year of participation in collaboration with a global network of aquarium partners supporting the project.

"I always love working with their incredible team and helping save turtles. I'm always amazed that the turtles are able to survive," said aquarist Shoshana Levine.

The Deep told the BBC that its participation in the project began in response to the turtles' annual autumn migrations. As water temperatures drop, sea turtles begin to venture south in search of warmer waters. However, the hook shape of Cape Cod Bay traps cold-stunned turtles, which then wash up on beaches, according to the aquarium.

Levine joined fellow volunteer Gavin Clarke — who both worked in subzero conditions, down to minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit — to rescue the turtles stranded along miles of beaches in Cape Cod.

Rescued species include Kemp's ridley, leatherback, green, and loggerhead turtles. The Deep said that the survival rate for the rescued turtles is around 80% to 90%. More than 470 turtles have been treated through this effort.

"It's amazing to see the network of organizations that work together and share a common goal, to get all these turtles healthy and released," Clarke said.